The Mayflower: America's historic hotel
Washington's hotels have played a critical role in shaping the history of the United States, and the luxurious Renaissance Mayflower Hotel is no different.
Once called the “second best address” to the White House when Harry Truman set up camp there during White House renovations, to a more recent setting for New York governor Eliot Spitzer's alleged rendezvous with a prostitute, the Mayflower has been an important and historic location since its opening in 1925. It's located on a slice of Connecticut Avenue, N.W., about a 5-minute walk from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Located on Connecticut Avenue about a block or so from the White House, the Mayflower was called the “Grande Dame of Washington” and said to have so much gold trim that only the Library of Congress could rival it. Inside, the hotel opens into a grand lobby, with travertine tiles, sparkling chandeliers, contemporary parlor furnishings, luscious colorful rugs and a giant soothing skylight.
There are 583 rooms, 74 suites and 26 meeting rooms, which are often host to some of the most important government and private receptions every year. Rooms are furnished with plump comforters, fireplaces in the suites, sitting areas and large windows.
Three restaurants include the Lobby Court, with an extensive wine list, and Cafe Promenade, which serves Mediterranean food along with a daily traditional tea, while Washington's elite gather at the Town & Country lounge.
Because of its historic importance, the Mayflower is on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to its architecture, design and status as the longest operating hotel in the city, the Mayflower's seen a lot of historical moments. The hotel hosts an inaugural ball for every new president since Calvin Coolidge.
Many important foreign dignitaries have walked through the doors. Several presidential candidates announced intentions to run there, and other major players lunched or wrote famous speeches there (like FDR's “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” speech).
The hotel has also played a role in a number of sex scandals besides Spitzer: Monica Lewinsky stayed there during her affair with President Clinton, as did Judith Exner Campbell during her supposed affair with President Kennedy.
HelloWashingtonDC Tip: Since the Mayflower is a Marriott Hotel, it offers standard AAA/CAA and 62 & over senior citizen discounts. Go to the Marriott's Mayflower Web site for further information.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
